scrabbled

verb (used with object), scrab·bled, scrab·bling.

1. to scratch or scrape, as with the claws or hands.
2. to grapple or struggle with or as if with the claws or hands.
3. to scrawl; scribble.

verb (used without object), scrab·bled, scrab·bling.

4. to scratch or dig frantically with the hands; claw (often followed by at): scrabbling at a locked door to escape the flames.
5. to jostle or struggle for possession of something; grab or collect something in a disorderly way; scramble.

noun

6. a scratching or scraping, as with the claws or hands.
7. a scrawled or scribbled writing.
8. a disorderly struggle for possession of something; scramble: After the fumble, there was a scrabble for the football.

verb

1. (intr; often foll by about or at) to scrape (at) or grope (for), as with hands or claws
2. to struggle (with)
3. (intr often foll by for) to struggle to gain possession, esp in a disorderly manner
4. to scribble

noun

5. the act or an instance of scrabbling
6. a scribble
7. a disorderly struggle

noun

1. trademark a board game in which words are formed by placing lettered tiles in a pattern similar to a crossword puzzle

v.1530s, “to scrawl, scribble,” from Dutch schrabbelen, frequentative of schrabben “to scratch,” from the same root as scrape (v.). Meaning “to struggle, scramble” first recorded 1630s. Related: Scrabbled; scrabbling. n.board game, 1949, proprietary name (registered U.S.), probably from scribble-scrabble “hasty writing” (1580s), a reduplication of scribble (n.).